Matthew Sluka

Sluka made waves early in the 2024 season after opting to redshirt the 2024 season after three games, citing "certain representations that were made" not being upheld after he enrolled at UNLV. He went 21-for-48 with 318 yards, a 6:1 TD:INT and 254 rushing yards before electing to sit out. He'll enter his fifth collegiate season as a member of James Madison, where he's expected to serve as the team's starting quarterback. Alonza Barnett, the Dukes' 2024 starter, suffered a "serious" leg injury before JMU's bowl game and, given Sluka's addition, it seems like Barnett will miss most or all of 2025. Barnett threw for 2,598 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 442 yards and seven scores on the ground - an example of Sluka's upside in the offense. Sluka offers significantly more rushing capabilities, having run for 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons with Holy Cross before departing for UNLV. Camden Coleman is also in the running for the job under center, but most believe Sluka will win the gig, and if Sluka's limited action with the Runnin' Rebels is any indicator, he's in for a monster 2025 campaign. Read Past Outlooks